Harry Potter?!?

[jmcrae]

Actually, if you’d read less superficially, you would have realized that the person to whom I was responding had begun advancing arguments about what and how Christians should read in general, aside from HP. His concerns were pretty clearly stated and I was obviously addressing these concerns. I can’t see how you could reduce his or my comments exclusively to HP, yes, or HP, no. Unless, of course, you were reading with strong bias against anyone not in favor of the books.

I happen to think that Edwin is right about letting people read whatever they want to read. What they do with it is up to them.

People do not become heretics by reading bad books. Heretics just become more articulate when they find books that agree with their ideas. Banning heretical books just shows heretics where to find them - it’s like putting a spotlight on them and saying, “Here it is; come and get it.” If we hide or destroy the books, and they can’t find books that agree with their ideas, then they’ll just write more of them, and the process begins all over again. But if you allow ideas to flow freely, then everyone knows what’s out there, and can discuss it (at least somewhat) intelligently.

 

[sevenmansions]

I never said anything about banning, hiding or destroying books, you did. I said we should excercise caution and “gererosity” in equal measure. I think some people can begin to adhere to heretical ideas, if they fail to use good discernment. When you don’t discern (or help your children to), you read without using your mind, which, at best, is a waste of time and, at worst, is just plain dangerous.

Also, I don’t understand the logic behind, “Oh, they were gonna do it anyway 'cause they were probably heretics in the first place”. On what grounds can you say that? We know that books are powerful tools. They can change the course of history. Don’t you think they can help change the course of a person’s life?

 

[jmcrae]

I never said anything about banning, hiding or destroying books, you did. I said we should excercise caution and “gererosity” in equal measure. I think some people can begin to adhere to heretical ideas, if they fail to use good discernment. When you don’t discern (or help your children to), you read without using your mind, which, at best, is a waste of time and, at worst, is just plain dangerous.

Also, I don’t understand the logic behind, “Oh, they were gonna do it anyway 'cause they were probably heretics in the first place”. On what grounds can you say that? We know that books are powerful tools. They can change the course of history. Don’t you think they can help change the course of a person’s life?

Of course, but (given the number of people who read the Bible without ever being converted) the person has to be predisposed to the ideas in the books, in the first place.

When you say “caution” don’t you mean highlighting the books on a “banned books” list (as some Christians do with the Harry Potter series) and telling people not to read them? Quite frankly, I think if people had not placed Harry Potter on their “banned books” lists, it would never have become so well-known and popular. This is what Edwin is objecting to. I don’t think he has any problem with people vetting what comes into their own home.

 

[Semp2pts]

Here’s my 2 cents… If I repeat someone elses - my bad. I didn’t read ALL 22 pages.

1. Magic is real. That’s the first point. It’s not a game, it’s not cute and it’s definitely not to be taken lightly. It is spiritually damaging and, like all areas of the occult - tv guide horoscopes, tarot cards, magic 8 balls, etc - opens the door for demonic influence in your life. Personally - why take the risk in any of these areas. As someone who has encountered real, tangible, demonic forces (and also angelic) - I’d rather not give them any more permission in my life than what I’ve already unknowningly given them.
2. Harry Potter VS Narnia AND/OR Lord of the Rings. There is no direct comparison possible. Narnia, written by C.S. Lewis - a brilliant protestant writer - was writing a childrens version of Biblical stories. LOTR, written by Tolkien (a friend of C.S. Lewis) was also a Christian, writing a story that is our story - battle with sin. It is directly allegorical. The central quest of Harry Potter - a boy becoming a man through wizardry cannot be compared to stories whose intention is to open the door to faith through fantasy. Please.
3. Catholics, which includes me, are the greatest bunch of lukewalm Christians ever. We rationalise everything. We have all the pomp, all the ceremony and yet, at the heart of it all, we are terrible at evangelising. Terrible at reaching youth. Terrible at everything really. As I’ve told myself a million times, “Pete, it’s all about Jesus and the Eucharist. Just stay it out. It’ll work out”. This whole thing with Harry Potter is just another example.

If you want to watch and read Harry Potter - go for it. If you want to let your kids fill their heads with it - go for it. But remember,

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col 3:2)

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31)

Tell me, how is it someone can best glorify God by focussing their affections/desires/enjoyment/mind on Harry Potter.

Personally, I’m sick of this half-hearted version of Christianity. We’ve got backbone in all the wrong areas. I heard the Cardinal of my country give his easter address - it was all about the political state of the country, about social aid and welfare and how things will get better… WHERE’S JESUS? I don’t want to be part of a social agenda church.

My faith is about a God that is all-satisfying, who casts out all fear and who created me for the purpose of enjoying Him forever and in-so-doing showed Himself to be the most glorious, the most loving and the most satisfying being in existance.

Why would I waste my time with Harry Potter…

Blessings.
Semp

 

[TomPiltoff]

1. Magic is real.

No it isn’t.

 

[Semp2pts]

No it isn’t.

I am willing to wage all that I own that it is. Not only have been impacted by the effects of magic, conjouring and the occult, but I have seen, with my own eyes, people practicing it. My father is a Christian counseller who has had to deal with the effects of it. I had a friend who’s girlfriend was a practicing white witch.

You are very very naive to believe that it’s not real.

Do I believe that waving wands around does anything in and of itself? No. Do I believe that it opens the persons spirit to be impacted by demonic spirits - who are capable of performing miracles just as Jesus was? Absolutely.

 

[TomPiltoff]

I am willing to wage all that I own that it is.

Well you’ve just lost everything you own because there is no argument to be made. If anybody could practice real magic they’d be billionaires.

Not only have been impacted by the effects of magic, conjouring and the occult, but I have seen, with my own eyes, people practicing it.

Give me some examples.

 

[Semp2pts]

I am betting here that you think “magic” and go “elephant into rabbit” or “one million dollars. TADA.”

Whereas I am talking actual magic as practiced by NON-MOVIE witches and warlocks. whether the white or black variety. Things ranging from curses/hexes on enemies to healings through the power of tree spirits.

 

[TomPiltoff]

I am betting here that you think “magic” and go “elephant into rabbit” or “one million dollars. TADA.”

It doesn’t matter what kind of practice I’m thinking of. Magic is magic. Whether it’s pulling a rabbit from a hat or exorcising a demon it’s not real.

Again I ask for some examples of your personal experiences with magic.